Criminal record expungement is the process of having a criminal record erased from public view. This means that most employers, landlords, and other people who run background checks will not be able to see your criminal record. Expungement can be a valuable tool for people who have made mistakes in the past and are trying to move on with their lives.

One of the most important benefits of expungement is that it can make it easier to find housing. Landlords often screen tenants for criminal records, and an eviction record can make it difficult to find a place to live. Expungement can help people with criminal records overcome this barrier and find a safe and affordable place to call home.

How Expungement Can Help You Find Housing

When a landlord screens a tenant, they may look at a variety of factors, including the tenant's credit history, employment history, and criminal record. A criminal record can be a red flag for landlords, as it may indicate that the tenant is a risk to the property or the other tenants.

Expungement can help people with criminal records overcome this barrier and find housing. Once a criminal record has been expunged, it is considered to be erased from public view. This means that most landlords will not be able to see the criminal record when they screen the tenant.

Expungement is not a guarantee that you will be approved for housing, but it can significantly improve your chances. Landlords are more likely to rent to tenants who have a clean criminal record.

How to Expunge Your Criminal Record

The process of expunging a criminal record varies from state to state. However, there are some general steps that are involved in the process.

1. File a petition with the court. The petition will need to state why you want your criminal record expunged and why you believe that it is in the best interests of justice to do so.
2. Serve the petition on the prosecutor. The prosecutor will have an opportunity to object to the expungement.
3. Attend a hearing. If the prosecutor objects to the expungement, the judge will hold a hearing to decide whether or not to grant the expungement.

If the judge grants the expungement, your criminal record will be erased from public view. This means that most landlords will not be able to see the criminal record when they screen you.

Who is Eligible for Expungement?

The eligibility requirements for expungement vary from state to state. However, there are some general requirements that apply in most states.

• The criminal record must be for a misdemeanor or a nonviolent felony.
• You must have completed all of the terms of your sentence, including probation and parole.
• You must not have been convicted of any new crimes since the original conviction.

If you are unsure whether or not you are eligible for expungement, you should consult with an attorney.

Benefits of Expungement for Housing

Expungement can offer a number of benefits to people who are trying to find housing.

• Increased chances of being approved for housing. Landlords are more likely to rent to tenants who have a clean criminal record.
• Lower rent. Landlords may charge higher rent to tenants with criminal records. Expungement can help tenants avoid paying higher rent.
• More housing options. Expungement can give tenants access to a wider range of housing options. Landlords with high-end properties may be more likely to rent to tenants with expunged criminal records.

How to Find a Criminal Record Expungement Attorney

If you are considering expunging your criminal record, you should consult with an attorney. An attorney can help you determine whether or not you are eligible for expungement and can help you with the expungement process.

To find a criminal record expungement attorney, you can ask for referrals from friends, family, or other professionals. You can also search for attorneys online or in the phone book.

When choosing an attorney, be sure to interview several attorneys before making a decision. Ask the attorneys about their experience with expungements and their fees. You should also feel comfortable with the attorney and confident in their ability to represent you.

Conclusion

Expungement can be a valuable tool for people with criminal records who are trying to find housing. Expungement can help people overcome the barrier of a criminal record and find a safe and affordable place to live.

If you are considering expungement, you should consult with an attorney. An attorney can help you determine whether or not you are eligible for expungement